Seeding Social Norms About Energy Conservation Among Girl Scouts

• In Event: Social and Personal Connections to Informal Learning

Abstract

Energy conservation and awareness are increasingly important goals for youth and community programs. This study examined whether sharing a social norm message (SNM) with Girl Scouts who had recently completed an energy conservation program would impact their energy use and related attitudes. Thirty-seven girls (aged 11-14) participated in the study. Results suggest that the SNM was effective in maintaining post-program energy conservation behaviors for participants already dedicated to conservation (as indicated by behavior reported at baseline), but not for those with low dedication. The impact of the SNM on attitudes was influenced by participants’ strength of connection to Girl Scouts. This study makes a contribution by expanding the use of SNM to promote conservation behavior in adolescents.

Authors

• Debra Bernstein, TERC

• Gillian M. Puttick, TERC

• Polly Hubbard, TERC